Prolific comic author, editor and artist Stan Lee dead at 95

Stan Lee died today, after being rushed to the hospital early this morning according to The Hollywood Reporter. The cause of death is not yet known.

Lee helped create Marvel classics such as Iron Man, Thor, Black Panther and Spider-Man, among many others. He effectively revitalized the comic book industry in the 1960’s by writing comics for a wider audience with things like relatable dialogue, science fiction in-depth plot while still offering the action and costumes aimed at a younger audience.

The first of these new comics was “The Fantastic Four” in 1960. By 1962, Lee and the late Steve Ditko had published “The Amazing Spider-Man,” which thrust Marvel to the forefront of the comic industry.

Along with his expansive career as a Marvel writer, Lee worked as a writer for Army training films, headed Marvel’s animation department, lectured on pop culture, started multiple companies and in 2000 wrote for DC, Marvel’s biggest comic competitor.

Aside from being a creator, Lee also appeared in cameos throughout Marvel movies, becoming an icon that many fans would remain on the lookout for through the entire movie.